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Community Meeting to Review Development Proposals for Loyola “L” Station Area

April 26, 2012

Dear Neighbor,

I am writing to invite you to attend a community meeting to review two development proposals–one by Loyola University and the Chicago Transit Authority and the other by Loyola University itself–for property located immediately north of the entrance to the Loyola “L” station on Sheridan Road. The meeting will take place on Monday, April 30th, 7:00 p.m., at Centennial Forum, Bremner Lounge, 1125 W. Loyola (at Sheridan).

The first proposal calls for the demolition of the vacant one story building immediately north of the Loyola “L” station that once housed a McDonald’s and a Harris Bank facility. In its place, Loyola and the CTA will construct a plaza and renovate the facade of the “L” station.

The entrance to the station will be moved slightly north and west so that it opens onto the new plaza. This will allow for pedestrian flow to a safer four-way signalized intersection at Loyola and Sheridan, rather than have the entrance to the CTA underneath the viaduct and adjacent to a “blind” crosswalk.

Immediately north of the plaza, a curb-cut will be constructed that will allow for an eastbound driveway. This driveway will provide access to the parking lot located behind the properties on Sheridan Road.

The current zoning on the lot is B3-5. Loyola and the CTA seek a zoning variance to allow for a major utility (in this case, the CTA) to reside on the lot. Because the lot falls within the Lakefront Protection Zone, review under the Lakefront Protection Ordinance and approval by the Chicago Plan Commission is also required.

To view a rendering of the proposed plaza and station entrance, click on the attachment below:

The second proposal by Loyola University calls for the demolition of the vacant one-story building that once housed Beck’s Book store. In its place, the University proposes the construction of a four-story, mixed-use building with 41 one-bedroom apartments over approximately 15,000 square feet of retail space. Six parking spaces will be located behind the building and an additional 25 parking spaces will be reserved for the building on the surface parking lot immediately to the west.

Because the development falls within the Lakefront Protection Zone, review under the Lakefront Protection Ordinance and approval by the Chicago Plan Commission is required. The University must also apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a special use permit to allow for the accessory off-site parking.

To view a rendering of the proposed development, click on the attachment below:

These proposals require the approval of the Chicago Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals, not the City Council. Nonetheless, the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the opinion of the alderman and the surrounding community when making their decision. I encourage you to attend the meeting to share your views and concerns. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please feel free to share your concerns by replying to this e-mail.